Raw Materials - Tonka Bean · Brotherhood Of Scent

Sep '24 (edited) • New Releases & Reviews 📝

Raw Materials - Tonka Bean

Tonka bean comes from the seeds of the Dipteryx odorata tree, native to Central and South America, particularly Brazil and Venezuela. Known for its rich, warm, and sweet fragrance, reminiscent of vanilla, almonds, and caramel, tonka bean is highly valued in both perfumery and flavoring. The beans are harvested after the fruit falls to the ground naturally. Once collected, the seeds are removed from the fruit, cleaned, and dried. During drying, they undergo a curing process where they develop a crystallized layer of coumarin, the compound responsible for their signature scent. This curing intensifies the bean's aromatic properties, making it a prized ingredient in fragrances.

Tonka bean is a beloved ingredient in men’s fragrances, known for adding warmth, sweetness, and depth to compositions. Coumarin, the chief organic compound making up its scent, is also found naturally in various other plants, including cinnamon, lavender, and sweet clover. Its rich scent profile, often compared to vanilla, almonds, and tobacco, brings a smooth, gourmand quality that perfectly balances the sharper, spicier notes often found in masculine scents. Tonka bean works well with woods, spices, and resins, adding a creamy, sweet base that enhances the overall richness of a fragrance. It’s frequently used in oriental, amber, and fougère fragrances, giving them a comforting, sensual edge while maintaining a sense of sophistication and subtle masculinity.

When I smell Tonka Bean: Ahhh, so smooth and satisfying, it’s like a wave of warmth that’s both sweet and a little spicy. There’s a richness to it too, almost like vanilla but with an earthy, almond-like edge that makes it feel less sugary. It reminds me of a blend of caramel and tobacco, with a soft, almost powdery finish. There’s something calming about it too, like wrapping yourself in a favorite sweater. It’s sweet but not overwhelming, with just enough depth to keep it masculine and intriguing.

https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Jo-Malone-London/Myrrh-Tonka-42027.html

https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Dior/Feve-Delicieuse-2018-48392.html

What say you Gents? Any experience with Tonka Bean forward fragrances? What ones do you like or dislike? What ones out there would you like to try? And for you seasoned fragheads, what fragrances would you recommend to beginners? Love to hear from 'ya!

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